Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua might be something in the offing.

Uhuru’s recent remarks about the former Deputy President are not to be taken lightly. These remarks have stirred the political scene, with the former Head of State, who had maintained a low profile for a long time, now appearing to step back into politics and lean toward the opposition.

He seems ready to close ranks and bury the hatchet with his former personal assistant, who served him for many years until after the 2007 elections and later supported his bids in 2013 and 2017.

The two, however, fell out after Gachagua chose to associate himself with President William Ruto, who at the time was at loggerheads with Uhuru following his handshake with the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

Since Gachagua’s impeachment, or even since he assumed office as Deputy President before his dramatic ouster in 2024, Uhuru has never directly mentioned Gachagua by name. However, during the Jubilee grassroots meeting at Thika Greens Garden in Murang’a, he came out strongly, warning Jubilee officials to stop insulting leaders like Gachagua.

He particularly called out the party’s Secretary-General, Jeremiah Kioni, telling him to desist or risk being expelled from the party. This shows that the former Head of State has softened his stance and may be ready to work with his past political ally.

Murathe praising Gachagua

Uhuru’s decision to call his party to order, especially those who have been openly attacking Gachagua, and his willingness to discipline members who insult the former DP speak volumes.

To add to this, Uhuru’s close ally and Jubilee Party Vice Chair David Murathe, who in the past never spared Gachagua and frequently criticised him, made a U-turn and echoed Uhuru’s sentiments.

Murathe praised Gachagua, expressing confidence in him as the best candidate to take on President William Ruto in 2027.

He stated that Gachagua should be given the party ticket, adding that he has known him for a long time and that when Gachagua decides to focus on something, he does so wholeheartedly.

“Riggy G tunakutuma hio kazi uhakikishe, mimi najua wewe ukifocus unafocus sana, na tunasema mketi sisi tuko pamoja na nyinyi,” Murathe stated.

This also comes at a time when the party has decided to fully immerse itself in the united opposition, fronting former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate and deputy party leader to serve as the link within the opposition coalition.

Gachagua’s willingness for truce

Gachagua had long ago shed his political feud with Uhuru and was ready for dialogue, especially after his impeachment.

He stated that he was open to having a conversation with the former president, admitting that he had been misled by President Ruto, which caused him to turn against his long-time friend.

Gachagua said that he and Uhuru had been friends for a much longer time than they had been political enemies and that he was ready to bury the hatchet. He added that he would never again allow himself to be used by outsiders to insult the sons and daughters of the mountain.

He further acknowledged that Uhuru had done nothing wrong in 2022 to deserve the kind of treatment he and other politicians who opposed him subjected him to.

Political enmity

In politics, enmity is never permanent. Politicians often set aside their past differences and work together when their interests align.

This appears to be the case with Uhuru and Gachagua, who now seem to be moving in the same political direction. Both are determined to portray the current regime as a wanton government, expressing zero confidence in its ability to deliver. Their renewed cooperation for a common cause is a development worth watching.